Chrome users on Windows 8 can expect an update rolling out to their browser today that includes a “Noisy Tabs” feature and Chrome OS-like desktop environment. The largest visual change is only noticeable if you run Chrome in “Windows 8 Mode”, a special mode Microsoft has set up for Web browsers that allows them to run in a pseudo-Modern app form.

Chrome now appears visually like Chrome OS in this mode. There is a grey background and multiple Chrome windows can be opened within the environment. There’s even a “shelf” that can run along the bottom, left, or right side of the screen. While it doesn’t give Windows users the full Chrome OS experience, it’s about as close as they are going to get.

To run Chrome in Windows 8 Mode, just select the option from options menu in the upper right corner of the browser and select Chrome as your default browser.

As for the Noisy Tabs feature, you can see above that a small speaker will now appear beside any tab that is playing audio. This is helpful for those occasional websites that have music playing in the background or auto-playing ads, so that users can know exactly which tab is producing the noise. If only this feature were around back in the days of Myspace and annoying profile songs.

What do you think of this Chrome update? Do you think Google sneaking a Chrome OS-like environment into Windows 8 will help them convert Windows users into Chromebook users? Let us know in the comments!

They've really stuffed up the UI on the desktop version - making the scroll bar too thin and the radio buttons & check boxes too small. And where have the small up/down arrows at the top and bottom of the scroll-bar gone? It's no longer possible to scroll with the fine accuracy that those controls allowed.

Windows RT needs an actual, working third-party browser that's signed by Microsoft and installable by ordinary users. It's kind of tough to make a use case for a modern-style skin of a desktop browser (for... presentations? I guess? Do people not know they can full screen a browser?), but there are plenty of people who are missing out on the browser ecosystem they prefer because they happen to have a non-Pro Surface.

Ahhh thank you! Finally! Windows 8 was actually a great operating system but you find out really fast that application support for what seems like forever has been pretty non existent or at a snails pace to update to support it to the fullest. I love chrome and use it for all my other computers but my win 8 tablet I have had to leave it as a secondary browser since it was less than responsive when using it in win 8 mode. From not having full screen to having it really hard to use touch to use everything it was so much easier to just use IE. Glad to know I can finally switch back. Now here is hoping for the other 100 or so applications I use to play catch up. Would be a great system if only the store had ANY useful apps...

I am a Chrome fan and use on everything although running it on my tablet has been a challenge. I am with you and I can hear my Tablet doing a woohoo as well. As for the apps.... ya I will leave that for another day lol.